Morning Coffee with Peanut & Summer Shape Up

I love mornings.

Mornings are a time to start fresh, to focus on the day ahead, and to think about all the possibilities the day can bring. I have been fortunate to work from home on Thursdays this month, and it has allowed me to really enjoy the slower pace of summer.

One of the things I try to renew each morning is my desire to be fit and healthy. This has been a goal of mine for a long time, and something I am still striving towards.

Cardio has never been my problem. I love to run. It feels freeing to just get outside, breathe in some fresh air, and give yourself a full-body workout. I love the feeling you get after running, when you feel energized, and know that you have done something good for yourself. I also usually take Peanut on at least two walks a day. He’s a super energetic dog, so even on the days when I don’t run, I know I will get at least 40 minutes of walking in with him.

Where I struggle, is with diet and strength training. I love the 80/20 diet concept, and this is what I work towards. Some days it’s really easy. Living a gluten-free lifestyle automatically eliminates a lot of unhealthy options for me. Sometimes this can backfire. I’ll think, “Well if I can’t have that cupcake that everyone else in the office is eating, I can eat all of these Cheetos”. There are plenty of unhealthy gluten-free options out there too, so it’s all about balance!

So each day, I renew my focus on healthy eating (and always gluten-free), getting in some cardio, and fitting in at least two strength training sessions a week.

Two healthy gluten-free snacks I’m loving right now….

This super yummy green smoothie from Columbia Gorge Organic. It’s hard to find a gluten-free green juice out there, and this one tasted great! I’m also really into the thinkThin Lean Protien & Fiber Bars. The White Chocolate Cinnamon Bun is delicious, only has 150 calories, and packs in 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.